1 In 5 Parents Want More Inclusive Schools

Close to 20% of parents also think more could be done to create a more inclusive early years care and education system for their children.

More than half of parents in Jersey do not believe the education system represents the diversity of pupils in the island.

Alongside this, nearly 24% of parents with children with additional needs say their child does not feel welcome and supported.

These figures come from a survey into inclusive education and early years, which asked more than 1,400 parents, education practitioners and children about their views.

The Children and Education Minister, Deputy Inna Gardiner, and her Assistant Minister, Deputy Louise Doublet, will be using the report to shape a new charter, which will be published in 2024.

Deputy Inna Gardiner says to make education and early years truly inclusive, we need to hear everyone's voices and views.

"Your feedback will help us build on our strengths and point us in the direction of areas where we need to improve regarding our inclusive practices in education.

"We’d like to support teachers and practitioners in their valuable work because we want Jersey to be a place where all children are welcomed, included, and supported in their education."

Findings from the survey include more than two-thirds of parents believe that schools do create an inclusive environment, but more should be done to make children and young people feel welcomed.

On the other hand, almost 80% of educational practitioners think that the system does create an inclusive environment that allows children to thrive.

Children also offered their opinions about the school system and inclusivity:

“I feel included when my friends run up to me, say hi to me and even just smile at me.”

“In my school everyone feels they belong because no one is treated differently

“When people make fun of my nationality, and you tell an adult, but they don’t do anything.”

“We have to stop mocking other languages in my school and instead learn to respect them.”

“When boys do something non-consensual, and teachers say boys will be boys!”

“We have a diversity, equity and inclusion group of both teachers and students who work to sort out any underlying issues surrounding diversity.”